Comment: No fracking = no money

Nova Scotia certainly isn’t rolling in dough. The Maritime province has a higher unemployment rate than the national average. It’s also a “have-not” province on the equalization payment grid. That isn’t stopping them from putting the lid on one potential source of revenue.

Canada’s economy needs energy to keep going. The energy sector in this country is a great source of employment and government revenues. So what’s behind this counterproductive decision?

A government statement notes: “The decision comes after considering comments submitted by many Nova Scotians over the past 10 months, as well as studies, including an independent review commissioned by the government of Nova Scotia, and the recent Council of Canadian Academies’ report for the federal government.”

Don’t be mistaken: This isn’t about facts. It’s about politics and appeasing a vocal minority of radicals. Fracking has been around since the 1940s, but extensive fear-mongering by the enviro crowd is relatively new.

Don’t want economic growth? Fine. Just don’t expect the rest of us to chip in to cover your losses.